SolarWise helps with life’s luxuries at unique silo retreat

The Silos Accommodation is a unique, luxury, two-person romantic retreat at Junee with breathtaking views of the surrounding farmland and set to open in October 2024. 

It is owned and operated by Nick and Amber Heffernan and their children who are the sixth generation farmers on this property.

The project started after the family could see a need to diversify for the future generations to ensure the caretaker role of the land is passed on successfully.

The building consists of a repurposed grain silo which has been standing in this location for the past 55 years.

Connecting the Silo Accommodation to the existing electricity network was cost-prohibitive, so Nick and Amber contacted solar company SolarWise Wagga to help with the design and budget for an off-grid solar and battery solution.

The decision was made to not to use gas with this build as the owners felt that its use contradicts best sustainable practice. 

Other than water, the build is fully off grid using the latest solar and battery technology to provide enough power to enable all of life's luxuries including heating and cooling as well as an electric vehicle charging station. 

Alex Manley, Managing Director of SolarWise Wagga, indicated there is increased interest by farmers looking to use solar energy and batteries to power farm stays for agritourism. 

Particularly now the NSW Government is simplifying planning pathways to allow these activities to happen. 

SolarWise Wagga helps farmers in a variety of ways other than powering farm stays, homes, and cottages.  

Workshops, tractor GPS stations, surveillance cameras, satellite internet stations, and solar pumps all feature in their thinking, particularly as the cost of technology is markedly reduced and proving to be reliable and productive. 

If you are looking to be a part of the solar revolution, be sure to visit the SolarWise Wagga stand at the Henty Machinery Field Days at site number 802 in Block Q.